Papua New Guinea rebels against Biden’s ‘cannibal’ comment – CNN.co.jp

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Marape (left) and President Biden/Getty Images

2024.04.24 Wed posted at 20:13 JST

(CNN) US President Biden’s remarks last week in which he suggested that his uncle, who was killed in World War II, may have been eaten by “cannibals” near the South Pacific island nation of Papua New Guinea, have been strongly criticized by that country. are doing.

On the 17th, after attending a memorial service for the war dead in eastern Pennsylvania, Biden said that during World War II, the US military plane his uncle was on was shot down in an area with many cannibals near the island of New Guinea. It was not contained,” he said.

Furthermore, in a speech on the same day, he clearly stated, “There were actually a lot of cannibals in that part of New Guinea, which is why no bodies were found.”

Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister Marape acknowledged in a statement on the 22nd that Biden may have made a mistake, but insisted, “There is no reason for our country to be labeled as such.”

Papua New Guinea consists of the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and over 600 surrounding islands. In the mid-20th century, there were records of cannibalism among tribes in the region, but the country has struggled to shake off that image in recent years.

Social media posts from fellow countrymen included comments such as, “We don’t want people to think we’re cannibals because of our past history. We’re part of modern civilization,” and “What nonsense is Mr. Biden talking about?” A comment has been posted.

Foreign Minister Tkachenko also warned that Biden’s “ignorant statements” could have a negative impact on relations with the United States. The United States and China are competing to increase their influence over the strategically important country.

On the 24th, the US Embassy in Papua New Guinea issued a statement saying that the US respects Papua New Guinea’s people and culture and strives to further develop relations.